Two Cristo Rey Students Selected as LPB Young Heroes

On February 15, Louisiana Public Broadcasting announced the 2019 Young Heroes class, choosing two of the eight honorees from Cristo Rey Baton Rouge Franciscan High School. Jamone Williams, a junior and Ryan Smith, a freshman, were selected for this prestigious honor from among applications state-wide. Jamone and Ryan will be honored with the other LPB Young Hero recipients on April 15.

Jamone Williamsstrives to be a positive leader in school, at work, and in the community while encouraging those around him. Growing up, Jamone’s mother and grandmother worked hard to put the family in a better situation,In turn, Jamone has made the most of every opportunity afforded him and has made it his mission to give a hand up to anyone around him struggling with life's challenges. Jamone has devoted hours, days, and weekends to many worthy community service projects through school, church, non-profits, and personal endeavors, including litter abatement and recycling efforts. Jamone was named 2018 Religion Student of the Year, and continues to be a peer, mentor, tutor, and academic coach, as well as an outstanding student and athlete.

As a young child, Ryan Smith was diagnosed with leukemia, an experience that affected his entire childhood. Ryan had to face the uphill battle of regaining what he lost during treatment both physically and academically. In Ryan's case, due to his chemotherapy, he struggled to read. Because of this, Ryan has dedicated much of his time over recent holidays to beginning the program, 'Reading with Ryan,' where he visits children in local hospitals and reads to them. This opens the door for children to speak with him as someone who has survived what they are experiencing. Spreading hope is Ryan's mission, and he lives it every day.

As recipients of the LBP Young Heroes award, Jamone and Ryan will each receive a $1,000 tuition assistance grant as well a day of recognition with lunch at the Governor’s Mansion and an evening banquet in their honor.